Liverpool are in search of a replacement for Mario Balotelli, and it seems they may have found their perfect target in Manchester United‘s Radamel Falcao. 

George Bellshaw of the Metro writes Brendan Rodgers will actively move for the Colombian superstar, who has failed to make an impact at Old Trafford this term. 

Bellshaw reports Liverpool will be made to battle with Italian superclubs Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan for the player’s services, but none of the interested parties will pay Monaco’s valuation of £36.5 million, instead forcing a loan deal. 

El Tigre has had one of his poorest seasons in top-flight football since signing for United at the start of the campaign, but deep inside him there must still be a predatory goalscorer waiting to escape. 

Falcao arrived in the northwest to much fanfare, having previously proved his magnificence at Porto and Atletico Madrid.

But a major knee injury derailed his career last season, forcing him to miss his country’s World Cup campaign on South American soil. 

Jonny Singer of the Mail Online says the striker wishes to stay at United next year, but with Louis van Gaal’s revolution at the club gathering pace, it is likely the player will be left behind as the team moves forward.

However, Anthony Chapman of the Express says Spanish outlets believe Falcao could be on his way to Real Madrid for £32 million, with Javier Hernandez returning to United after his loan with Los Blancos expires. 

The Colombian legend has almost become a figure of fun in recent times, with many believing LvG signed a shell of a footballer who once reigned supreme.

Football writer Tom Coast highlighted the physical difficulties the player has had in England:

Despite this, Falcao delivered a return for his country in the recent international break, scoring three times in two games, per Singer.

Singer also quoted the player speaking positively about his future, after his recent efforts for Colombia, reiterating his desire for more minutes on the pitch: 

I have faith about that [remaining at United] and when the season finishes I am going to sit down and think about my future and what is the best for my career. I think when I score it’s always important and that gives me confidence.

I said before, I need minutes, I need to play games in a row and here in the national team I have had the opportunity. I gave my best and I scored and I now return to Manchester with more confidence.

 

Juan Iturbe Heading For England?

In other news, Liverpool target Juan Iturbe might be preparing for a move to the Premier League after his agent confirmed he has an offer from an English team.

Jamie Sanderson of the Metro quotes Gustavo Mascardi speaking about his client and hinting the EPL could be Iturbe‘s next port of call: “Will he leave? There are very good proposals from England for him.”

The Roma No. 7 is one of the most highly rated youngsters in Italian football, with the 21-year-old midfielder dazzling for the Serie A team.

Iturbe is a talent with much potential, and his preference for playing behind the striker is well-known. But if he does land at Anfield next season, he will be adding weight to a position Rodgers already has numbers in, with Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling operating in this part of the pitch.

Iturbe would be a good long-term option for Liverpool, but Falcao would be an elaborate purchase for the Merseyside giants.

His lack of success at United would surely motivate him to succeed at Liverpool, but it is questionable he will even feature when Daniel Sturridge is fit and firing. He would also add major complications to the club’s wage bill.

Falcao has suffered at United due to the team’s slow build-up play—for most of the season—but Liverpool’s attack-minded squad would certainly benefit the striker.

But Rodgers’ key issues lie elsewhere, and the manager must reinvent his defence if he is to take Liverpool back up the EPL table. 

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